Fast Facts

Haemophilia

Currently in Australia there are more than 2,800 people with varied degrees of severity.

There are 2 types of haemophilia:

Haemophilia A (classical haemophilia) is the most common type and caused when there is not enough clotting factor VIII (8) in the blood.

Haemophilia B (Christmas Disease) occurs when there is not enough clotting factor IX (9) in the blood

Bleeding is most commonly internal into the joints and/or muscles. It can happen without an obvious cause (sometimes called ‘spontaneous’), or as a result of injury.

Over time this internal bleeding ('bleeds') can cause severe arthritis, chronic pain and disability.

Specialised treatment is needed to help blood clot normally. With appropriate treatment haemophilia can be managed effectively.

Haemophilia is an inherited condition and occurs in families, however in 1/3 of cases it appears in families with no previous history of the disorder. The genetic alteration causing haemophilia is passed down from parent to child through generations. Men with haemophilia will pass the gene on to their daughters but not their sons. Women who carry the gene can pass the gene on to their sons and daughters. Sons with the gene will have haemophilia. Most women and girls who carry the gene do not have bleeding symptoms. Others may have a bleeding tendency. If they have have low factor levels, they will have haemophilia.

Von Willebrand disorder

Von Willebrand disorder (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder. This disorder is caused by when there is not enough von Willebrand factor in the blood or it does not work the way it should. It takes longer for blood to clot and for bleeding to stop.

VWD is the most common inherited bleeding disorder worldwide. In Australia it is estimated to affect approximately 200,000 people. It affects both females and males from all racial backgrounds.

Most people with VWD have few or no symptoms. The form causing moderate bleeding problems is uncommon and the severe form of VWD is rare.

Date last reviewed: 21 March 2018

Important Note: This information was developed by Haemophilia Foundation Australia for education and information purposes only and does not replace advice from a treating health professional. Always see your health care provider for assessment and advice about your individual health before taking action or relying on published information.
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